STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING VETERAN’S EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT RECIPIENT AUBURN UNIVERSITY Name (Last, First M.): ______________________________ Student’s SSN: ______________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________ AU ID #:____________________________ AU Email: ________________________________________ Phone #: ____________________________ Applicable GI Bill (circle): 30(MGIB) 31(Voc R) 33(Post 9/11) 35 (DEA) 1606(MGIB-SR) 1607(REAP)

This section: All Students on GI Bill benefits I understand that all GI Bill benefits are subject to approval by the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and that I must meet all requirements determined by them in order to receive such benefits. It has also been made clear to me that the Auburn University (AU) VA Office is a liaison between me and the VA, that the AU VA Office works for Auburn University and is not the VA itself. I understand that if I have issues with approval of benefits or the amount of money allocated to me by the VA may seek assistance from the AU VA Office. I understand that any such issues aside from the correction of hours and fees being reported to the VA are outside the control of the AU Veterans Resource Center, 217 Foy Hall, Auburn University AL 36849. ______ Initials Contact Information I understand that should I experience any issues with my GI Bill benefits, I will contact the AU VA office first. If the AU VA office is unable to assist me with my issue, I will contact the National Call Center located at the VA Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma 1-888-442-4551 or go to www.gibill.va.gov “Ask a Question” to send them an email. For emails, you must return to this website and log in to read your answer. ______ Initials Coursework I understand my veteran’s educational benefits will only pay for coursework required as part of my academic program as core subjects or approved electives. My degree program is my major on record with the Auburn University Registrar’s Office which is reflected in my student record. Furthermore, I realize that it is my responsibility to know what classess count toward my degree. If I should take classes/ outside my degree’s curriculum it will be at my own expense. All Graduate students must be fully admitted and not a provisional student. All Graduate students must set up and follow their graduate plan of study or temporary plan of study before courses can be approved for VA pay purposes. ______ Initials Academic Advisor (AA) Approve Schedule I understand that my schedule will be approved by my Dean’s designated academic advisor, who may not always be my advisor in my degree program. It is this academic advisor that is authorized to approve class schedules for VA pay purposes. I understand that it is my responsibility to contact my academic advisor and to know what classes count toward my degree program and those that do not. Graduate Students must follow their respective Graduate Plans of Study. ______ Initials Minors **VA WILL NOT PAY FOR A MINOR. ** I understand that unless a minor is explicitly mandated in my curriculum for my chosen degree the VA will not finance the pursuit of a minor. However, I may obtain a minor through creative use of required electives with the help of my academic advisor. If I decide to pursue a non-compulsory minor I will first speak with the AU VA to understand any financial obligation I may have in such a pursuit. ______ Initials

Double/Dual Majors I understand that the VA may pay for more than one major at a time, dual degrees or double majors, but only if the two degrees are in related areas and lead to a certain career field or employment specialty and the two degrees are published in the University Bulletin. I understand additional paperwork will be required and advanced notice will need to be given to AU VA to ensure the degree combination meets VA and Auburn University guidelines. Failure to meet requirements will result in the suspension or denial of benefits and/or require repayment of benefits already received in one or both majors. ______ Initials Grades – FA’s, W’s & F’s I understand that grades denoting non-attendance (including, but not limited to, “FA” for failure to attend, “W” for withdrawal, “F” for failing, etc.) will lead to a reduction in previously approved hours attended that semester. This alteration in hours taken may lead to repayment of some or all VA benefits for the specific course(s) in question and may also affect Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payment levels awarded that semester as well. The DATE OF LAST ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED or the VA education benefits for the class(es) not attended may be charged back to the first day of class and your pay back to the VA may be very large. Plus, the Auburn University Bursar may have to repay some tuition and fees to the VA after which University Bursar will charge you for this return of funds. Possible late fees associated with this return of funds will be charged to you. ______ Initials You Must Contact Auburn University VA Office IMMEDIATELY: I understand that I MUST REPORT TO THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY VA OFFICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IMMEDIATELY; failure to do so may result in the reduction of benefits or suspension or denial of future benefits and/or require repayment of VA benefits already received: 1. Failure to Attend “FA” grade awarded for classes financed by the VA. Any “FA” and some “F’s” may cause an overpayment in tuition and fees and BAH. VA will determine “FA” overpayment amount depending on the instructor’s reported date of last attendance. ____ Initials 2. Any type of Withdrawal “W” from class for any reason (AW, W1, W2, WD, WF, WP etc.) may cause as overpayment. Notify the AU VA office immediately if you plan to withdraw or have withdrawn from one or more classes. A date of last attendance will determine the overpayment amount. ____Initials 3. Change of major. Always change your major in a future term. VA Form 22-1995 or 22-5495 is required, plus academic advisors paperwork. Failure to complete the required VA forms and paperwork will suspend or terminate your VA educational benefits. Graduate student’s contact the AU VA office. _____ Initials 4. Resignation or Withdrawal from school. _____ Initials 5. Drop one or more classes. _____ Initials 6. Add one or more classes. _____ Initials 7. Register for classes each term (email to VA Office will suffice.) _____ Initials 8. Substituted courses & required remedial/prerequisite courses. This MUST be verified by

your Academic Advisor’s signature on your schedule. You must bring the approved schedule to our office and the paperwork will be placed in your VA file. _____ Initials 9. Changes in Address must be reported to VARO Muskogee, OK and the AU VA office. _____ Initials

Transient and Study Abroad Students I understand that should I choose to study outside AU at another school or college as a guest student I MUST provide the AU-VA office a copy of Departmental and Registrar approved “Complete an Auburn Transient Form”. For Auburn Study Abroad I understand I MUST contact the AU-VA office at the earliest time possible to coordinate use of my benefits. Approved Auburn Study Abroad paperwork e.g. Auburn University study abroad forms and course description(s) dates and subjects covered are required. Courses taken during Auburn study abroad MUST be an Auburn Study Abroad Program (Auburn Faculty Run) and for required degree course(s) for your major, not elective courses. Not all study abroad programs are approved for VA pay purposes. Non Auburn operated study abroad programs are not authorized the use of VA benefits. See the AU VA Office for more information and instructions. ______ Initials VA Not-Dependable I understand that I should NOT depend on my VA checks for any vital living expenses (rent, car payment, University Bursar Bills etc.). While VA checks should come on a regular basis, this is not guaranteed by Auburn University’s VA Office or the VA Regional Office Muskogee OK. ______ Initials Pay Check-Possible Waiting Period I understand that my benefits will be processed over a period of time by the Regional VA Office in Muskogee, OK. I also understand that it may take several weeks, after Auburn has sent my enrollment certification, before I will begin to receive any VA money. _______Initials

This section: Chapter 33 (Post 911) Only Ch 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill students only: Tuition and fees will not be requested from/ordered from the VA until AFTER the semester’s schedule adjustment period has ended. Example: 15th class day for Fall & Spring terms and 5th class day for Summer term. Scholarships I understand that any scholarships I receive MUST BE REPORTED TO THE UNIVERSITY VA OFFICE. The school’s VA office must have a copy of the award letter(s) that state the stipulations regarding said funds. If the stipulations state the scholarship is to be allocated directly for tuition and fees ( only for tuition and fees, solely for tuition and fees, the equivalent of tuition and fees, etc.) then the funds will be taken into consideration when determining the amount of tuition and fees to request from VA. The scholarship will be deducted from the VA eligible tuition and fees and we will request the remaining balance from the VA. _______Initials University and/or Outside Waivers, Grants or Fellowships I understand that any waivers, grants or fellowships I receive MUST BE REPORTED TO THE UNIVERSITY VA OFFICE. Any tuition/fee waivers or funds that are designated for tuition/fees will be considered when determining the amount of your tuition and fees that can be requested from the VA. I understand that any tuition/fee designated waiver, grant or fellowship will be deducted from the VA eligible tuition and fees and the remaining balance will be requested from VA. .*Note*: Title IV aid (Pell grant, Stafford loans, etc.) do not affect GI Bill. _______ Initials

University Bursar Bill I understand that AU will post a Bursar Memo on my bill for all estimated tuition and fees that will be covered by the VA under my GI Bill benefits on the condition that I am approved to receive benefits from the VA. Once the tuition/fees payment has been received from the VA the funds will be applied towards the charges on your bill and any remaining funds will be issued to you as a credit balance via direct deposit. Should I acquire any other financial aid (e.g. scholarships, loans, grants) I understand that these funds will be applied towards my charges , regardless of the fact that we expect payment of all or a portion of your tuition and fees from the VA and that there is a Bursar memo on your bill for the amount we expect to receive for your Post 9/11 GI bill payment.. _______Initials Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) and CH 33: Active duty and National Guard/Reserves students cannot receive TA & Ch 33 at the same time for the same courses. Ex: If TA has paid for tuition/fees then there is no tuition/fees payment to request for Ch 33 and vice versa. There must be tuition and fee bill for the student to have either of these programs to pay tuition and fees. If there is an unpaid portion of the bill not covered by TA, VA will pay “Top-Up” to cover the unpaid portion of the bill. ________Initials OVER PAYMENT of Benefits: The veteran or dependent is responsible for any overpayment incurred as a result of not completing courses or courses for which they received VA pay that are not in their degree program as core subjects or approved electives. Auburn University’s established refund policies will be followed and the student is still responsible to the University and VA for any overpayment made to the student or indebtedness incurred by the student. BOTTOM LINE: Tuition and fee payments are paid to the school on behalf of the veteran, overpayments of tuition and fees will be charged to the student: ________Initials KICKERS for MGIB, MGIB-AD and MGIB-SR. Individuals eligible for kicker under other benefits may receive the KICKER under Ch 33. The monthly kicker amount will be prorated based on the individual’s rate of pursuit. Payments of KICKERS will be issued in a lump sum directly to the student each term the student is eligible for benefits and the student is entitled to a monthly housing allowance, BAH. NOTE: the $600 BuyUp is not payable under 9/11 GI Bill, Ch 33. _______Initials Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rates All BAH rates are based off the current DoD rates for the Auburn area (zip 36849) at the E5 with dependent rate. Current DoD BAH rates can be found at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm Undergraduate Course Loads: FULL TIME ≥ 12 hours Total Hours 12 11 10 9 BAH Rate 100% 90% 80% 75% Round up to 80%

_______Initials 8 70%

7 60%

6 0%

Graduate Course Loads: FULL TIME ≥ 9 hours _______Initials Total Hours 9 8 7 6 5 4 BAH Rate 100% 90% 80% 60% 60% 0% **Full time will be determined by the Graduate School or Department for special programs such as Executive MBA & Physician’s MBA. **Distance Learning students will receive national BAH average and will not be identified by their specific address of residence or Auburn University’s address. **Distance Learning Graduate Students who attend classes on campus for 2 or more days per term will receive BAH as an in-state resident student attending on campus classes.

Breaks between Terms and Monthly Prorated BAH I understand that all breaks between academic semesters are periods in which the VA WILL NOT PAY BAH. I acknowledge that the beginning period of each semester will be the first day of class and the last day of the semester will be the last day of exams at the University. The months beginning and ending the semester are months in which I will only receive BAH for the days school was in session. Any days outside of that will not be covered. BAH payments are prorated on the number of days of school for that term in any given month. Ex. August is the beginning of Fall term and is only 2 weeks long, therefore, I will receive only 2 weeks of BAH. ______Initials Chapter 33 Books and Supplies Rate: $41.67 per hour to a maximum of $1000 per year. _______ Initials Chapter 33 Does Not Cover: _______ Initials • • • • • • • • • • •

Admission Deposits Meal Plan Parking Permit Parking Fines Library Fines Football Tickets OIT Fees ID Cards Dorm Charges & Fees Fees not identified on University Bursar Bill (i.e. 1st day of class fee for golf, scuba, sailing, etc.) Other fees as determine by VA policy.

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This section: Chapters 30 (MGIB), 31 (VOC REHAB), 35 (DEA), 1606 (MGIB RESERVE), 1607 (REAP) Only Monthly Allotments I understand that under these Chapters of the GI Bill I will receive only monthly allotments from the VA based on (prorated on) the number of hours taken during a given semester at the end of every month. These payments are also prorated on the number of days of school for that term in any given month. Ex. August of the beginning of Fall term is only 2 weeks long, therefore, I will receive on 2 week of VA benefits. The maximum authorized allotment is reached when taking hours equivalent to full time student status or greater as deemed by the VA. I also realize that all allotments are paid directly to me and that the University will not authorize delayed payment of bills due to late receipt of payments to me from the VA. ______ Initials Breaks & Break Pay I understand that all breaks between academic semesters are periods in which the VA Will NOT Pay MONTHLY allotments. I acknowledge that the beginning period of each semester will be the first day of class and the last day of the semester will be the last day of exams at the University. The months beginning and ending the semester are months in which I will only receive my allotment for the days school was in session and any days outside of that will not be covered for VA pay purposes.______ Initials Ch 30, 1606, 1607 Only: Monthly Verification of Attendance – Last Day of the Month I understand that if I am a Chapter 30 (veteran and active duty), 1606, or 1607 recipient I MUST contact the VA to verify my hours of enrollment each month. Upon proper verification of hours to the VA, the VA will issue payment of monthly educational benefits to me. I understand that I can verify my hours to the VA two ways: WAVE, Web Automated Verification of Enrollment at www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 887-8232378. _____ Initials

VETERANS ONLY Prior Federal Benefits I understand that if I have received benefits through one of the following programs listed below I may be required to have served a period of time in reimbursement for said benefit outside of the time required to receive the GI Bill. I also understand that any time required for such a benefit must have been satisfied prior to the service commitment period necessary for receiving my current GI Bill benefit. I will resolve any issues regarding this matter with the Department of Veterans Affairs and will inform the AU VA office of the resolution prior to use of benefits at AU. I have received one of the following benefits (initial all applicable answers): Military Academy Graduate:

Yes_______ No_______

ROTC Scholarship:

Yes_______ No_______

College Loan Repayment Program: Yes_______ No_______

ALL STUDENTS I have read all matters listed above. My initials indicate I understand the material in each statement and if I have questions I can be individually briefed on each matter and given an opportunity to ask more questions concerning initialed items. My signature that follows neither contractually obliges me to follow any given material in this agreement or briefing nor waives any right to challenge information stated above. My signature signifies only that I have received this material and may have had a detailed briefing of the information listed above and that I officially acknowledge I have read said material and/or have received a briefing on these items.

Student’s Signature: ________________________________

Date: ______________________________

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